LI police commander demoted over crime stats

Authorities say a Long Island precinct commander has been demoted for improperly classifying crimes during the past 18 months.

Thomas DePaola was demoted to patrol captain from inspector of the Manhasset-based Sixth Precinct in Nassau County.

Newsday reports that DePaola allegedly misclassified crimes that should have been labeled felony grand larcenies but were downgraded to petty larcenies. Other allegations include not counting crimes in which victims requested no arrests of perpetrators.

Officials said about 170 crimes are expected to be reclassified following an audit of the statistics.

DePaola did not return a message left at his home Tuesday night. Chief department spokesman Inspector. Kenneth Lack said DePaola would have no comment.